Grants awarded to domestic violence, rape response organizations | People

From the officer of Governor Robert Bentley:

MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded two grants totaling $310,000 to ensure that domestic violence and rape victims receive appropriate and adequate assistance when they seek help from local agencies and organizations.

The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence will use a $160,000 grant to support its Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence program. A $150,000 grant will help the Alabama Coalition Against Rape continue its Outreach and Services to Victims of Sexual Assault program. Both programs train the staff of local law enforcement agencies, health care organizations, courts and domestic violence shelters to recognize the signs of abuse and respond more effectively to domestic and dating violence as well as stalking.

“One of the best ways to break the cycles of domestic abuse and sexual assault is to make sure victims receive timely and adequate assistance,” Bentley said. “The training provided by the coalitions strengthens the services provided by other agencies across the state and helps minimize the impact of domestic abuse and rape.”

To provide the most effective education, the coalitions develop new training models based on programs from around the United States that have proven most effective in reducing domestic violence in their areas.

In the coming year, both coalitions plan to continue working with employee assistance programs, mental health facilities and prevention organizations to help victims find the assistance and preventative counseling they need.

Bentley awarded the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award.

Bentley informed Nancy Travis, ACADV president, and Traci Bynum, ACAR president, that the grants had been approved.